A study of third- and fourth-grade students found no significant differences between underachieving and normally achieving children for the measures of cognitive-impulsivity, selective attention, and sustained attention. However, significant differentiation was provided by teacher ratings indicating poorer classroom behavior, lack of attention,…

Explained are differences in communication, perception, arousal, and motivation for both teaching and learning styles. Experiential education is distinguished from experiential learning, and salient educational strategies are integrated into the educational cycle. (Author/CW)

A structured system of visual features is seen to parallel the propositional hierarchy of operations usually associated with the parsing of algebraic expressions. Women more than men were found to depend on these visual cues. Possible causes and consequences are discussed. Subjects were secondary and college students. (Author/DC)

Approximately half of a group of 12-year-old students were taught fraction and ratio topics by a concrete process-oriented method. The others were taught in the regular way. The concrete, process-oriented approach resulted in significantly improved achievement in, and attitude toward, fractions and ratios. (Author/DC)

The knowledge base of education must be related to the mission of the schools. In order to develop such a knowledge base a shift in emphasis to cognitive processes utilized by students is required. Implications of such a shift on school organization, teaching strategies, and teacher education curricula are discussed. (IAH)

Discusses social and cognitive influences on understanding and solving word problems. Descriptions of studies with elementary school, secondary school, and college students highlight subject matter-related attitudes; the fact that students can solve problems without understanding them; and contextual expectations, including the issue of authority.…

Examined college students' motivational orientations toward learning and views concerning purpose of education in relation to various intellectual styles. Task orientation was positively associated with Tolerance for Ambiguity, Thoughtfulness, and Open-Mindedness. Ego orientation was negatively associated with Tolerance for Ambiguity,…

The discovery of penicillin is cited in a discussion of the role of serendipity as it relates to scientific discovery. The importance of sagacity as a personality trait is noted. Successful researchers have questioning minds, are willing to view data from several perspectives, and recognize and appreciate the unexpected. (JW)

Describes effects of field dependent and independent cognitive styles on teachers' instructional behaviors and compatibility between student and teacher. (RJC)

A study compared the field dependence/independence and a measure of emotional empathy in 44 dental hygiene students and 42 students in an introductory psychology course. The results do not entirely support previous findings that dental hygiene students are typically more field independent. (Author/MSE)

Summarizes research on the field dependence-independence (FDI) dimension of cognitive styles of teachers. Argues for the integration of FDI knowledge into teacher preparation programs and more attention to teachers' and students' cognitve styles. (DE)

A new definition of teaching must replace traditional modes of instruction. Intellectual growth is best encouraged by assisting, rather than assessing, student performance. Classrooms must be settings which maximize opportunities for participation and conversation. Definitions and practical applications are given for Vygotsky's term "zone of…

Asserts that the sudden insights that characterize intuitive thinking are as important in effectuating learning as analytical thinking. Claims that intuitive thinking enables students to comprehend complex relationships better, to put things into better perspective, to generate new ideas, and to perceive more ways to integrate facts, concepts, and…

Examination of (n=186) eighth-grade students found marked differences between boys and girls on a mathematics test that were paralleled by differences in both trait-like self-referenced cognitions (academic self-concept of mathematical ability, goal orientation, and attribution) and task-specific appraisals. Contains 77 references. (Author/MKR)

Reports on the comparative effectiveness of demonstration and lecture formats for presenting physiological measures. Although demonstrations may improve retention of information concerning simple procedures, the lecture format is more effective for complex information. (CFR)